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As title really, I have a PC which is used almost exclusively for Photoshop and Lightroom, running Windows 10.
There's only one monitor input and I'd like two (new monitor arriving).
Not after a duplicate screen - need to be able to pull windows from one screen to another. I know absolutely nothing about building computers and would appreciate any pointers please! I know I'll need to buy a new part but no idea what to buy... Please talk in words of one syllable if you reply, ta!
Are you quite sure there aren't two monitor outlets on the motherboad?
I know mine has an HDMI and a Displayport built into it
It may be easier to just have one large monitor.
Wouldn't both the inputs need to be exactly the same?
Buy a really cheap/second hand (but modern) graphics card.
What resolution are your screens?
I think they're 1080 - does that sound about right?!
So, I could buy something like this - https://www.scan.co.uk/products/2gb-gigabyte-geforce-gt-710-active-fan-single-slot-pcie-20-(x16)-1800mhz-ddr3-gpu-954mhz-cores-192-h?gclid=Cj0KCQiAh9njBRCYARIsALJhQkEZUcNdL1et7YFpKVPT_VXp1iCYvX2quMJ_2qiPjizMuvxXU7LcEasaAqmFEALw_wcB
But it looks like the ports are two different sizes? I don't doubt I'm missing something very basic here...!
Post links to your computer, and the 2 monitors.
Both monitors don't need to use the same type of interface ('plug').
I'm typing this on one monitor that's via mini-DVI and have an adjacent that's connected via VGA to the same docking station. Quite why Dell didn't just put two mini-DVI on the docking station I have no idea.
Indeed, I have a TV plugged in on HDMI and a monitor on DVI.
Worth considering though, if you have to buy extra cables or adapters that's more cost so check what output the card has.
Thanks all. Will pull the case off tomorrow and see what's in there.
Wouldn’t both the inputs need to be exactly the same?
No - i'm typing this on a Dell laptop connected to 2 x 23" monitors - both using different connections.
Put a picture up of the back of the PC. We should be able to tell you then.
Will pull the case off tomorrow and see what’s in there.
In theory at least, all the output ports you have should be already showing! Would be surprised if your current setup didn't have DVI + HDMI or HDMI + displayport.
Take a pic of the back of your pc and post it up here.
Thanks again - there is a DVI port back there too, so in theory, I just need to buy a DVI lead for the 2nd monitor? Photos are a bit beyond me since photobucket started charging to use their service...
Possibly.
You need to check if your motherboard supports twin monitors.
On my desktop, I needed to add a video card to drive 2 monitors, even though it has HDMI, DVI and VGA outputs.
You can get a cheap graphics card for £20 - £30.
Make sure you get the right type of DVI cable (see https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/221/~/difference-between-dvi-i-and-dvi-d) and check what input the monitor has. If it's only got say HDMI and VGA you might need to get a cable to convert it (e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014I8UL8U/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_4Y9DCb0J03YH9)
HDMI to DVI adapter will do the job. HDMI signal is compatible* with DVI so the adapters are simple and cheap.
I've got an opposite set up, where my PC has two HDMI ports but I've got a monitor with HDMI and an older one with DVI. I just use an adapter on the DVI monitor input and HDMI cables for both.
As for dragging windows between monitors, that's easy in Windows. Just set them up under Display Settings to 'extend these displays'. You can even configure which is left and right monitor and how to show the task bar on each display (under Taskbar settings).
* - technical niggle in that there are different versions of DVI. DVI-A, DVI-D and DVI-I. If the motherboard/card only does DVI-A, then there may be a problem. DVI also can carry dual-link so if supported you could get dual monitors from one cable (and a suitable splitter). Also allows for dual bandwidth for higher resolution monitors. HDMI has something similar (for 4K+ I think).
p.s. posting images... imgur.com